Moment of silence at council honours Michael Howe

Councillors sent their condolences to the family of Michael Howe “for the community’s great loss” at Monday’s meeting, and held a minute of silence for the man who is being mourned by the community.

Howe, born in 1946, died from cancer in hospice care Dec. 29.

It was Coun. Allan Bisback who called for the tribute, telling councillors Howe was raised in Niagara-on-the-Lake by his father Norm Howe, a founding member of The Niagara-on-the-Lake Foundation, and mother Margherita Howe, a founding member of the NOTL Conservancy.

 “Michael cared deeply about this community, our town of NOTL, and fought to preserve its heritage, mainly through the work of the NOTL Foundation, and as president he led its efforts with dignity and hard work,” said Bisback.   

Recent works of the foundation have included the restoration of the slave cottage known as the William and Susannah Steward house on Butler  Street, contributions to the restoration of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and the restoration of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, an annual scholarship at Willowbank, the retention of the lawn bowling lands as public land, now the Voices of Freedom Park, and ongoing efforts to restore the historic Wilderness property on  King Street.

 “Many knew Michael for his acerbic wit, wry sense of humour and gusto for life. The quiet side of Michael demonstrated thoughtful and helpful advocacy within the community and amongst its leaders. He will be remembered as a friend of many and a lover of the town,” says Bisback.